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Traditional Crafts

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9. “Edo-Shikki” (lacquer ware)
History and Special Characteristics Edo-Shikki is a type of lacquer ware used in the Edo area, and its history is said to have started when Ieyasu Tokugawa invited a lacquer ware artisan from Kyoto. Ieyasu Tokugawa was a shogun (a general) who moved to the Edo castle in 1590. He served for the shogunate (Japan’s at-the-time-government) from 1603 to 1605. Lacquer ware gradually attracted popularity among ordinary people, and by the early 18th century, shikki was used in people’s everyday life. Because they are tough and good for practical use, Edo-shikki are often used at soba restaurants, or Japanese noodle restaurants.
Principal Sites of Manufacture Taito Ward, Chuo Ward, Adachi Ward, etc.
Manufacture Tokyo-to Shikki Shoukougyou Kyoudou Kumiai
Address Takemura Shikki Store 4-10-8 Moto-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0041
Phone Number 03-3841-4362
10. “Bekkō” (tortoiseshell)
History and Special Characteristics bekkō, or tortoiseshell, has enjoyed great popularity for a long time. A variety of techniques were passed along during the Edo period (1600-1867), and complex-formed bekkō were made. In Tokyo, some bekkō products are applied gold and silver lacquers, engraved, and applied with ivory. Tortoiseshell are used for glass frames as well.
Principal Sites of Manufacture Bunkyo Ward, Taito Ward, Sumida Ward, etc.
Manufacture Tokyo Bekko Handicraft Industry Association
Address Bekko Isogai Kobo 3-32-4 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0071
Phone Number 03-3682-4405
11. “Hake” (brushes used for screen paintings and dyeing)
History and Special Characteristics These brushes were referred to as “Edo Hake” in books from the mid-Edo period (1700s). Seven different types of brushes were introduced, including those for screen painters and dyeing. These brushes have played an important role in Japanese culture.
Principal Sites of Manufacture Taito Ward, Sumida Ward, Shinjuku Ward, etc.
Manufacture Tokyo Hake Kougyou Kyoudou Kumiai
Address Tokyo Burashi Kaikan 2-2-14 Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0001
Phone Number 03-3622-5304
12. “Butsudan” (a Buddhist altar)
History and Special Characteristics Butsudan is a Buddhist altar, and joiners first produced it during the Genroku period (1688-1703). Genroku period is when Buddhism prospered. Since 1840, lumber of the tropic region such as rose wood, ebony wood, and sandalwood, has been used for production. Butsudan’s designs are rather plain and simple.
Principal Sites of Manufacture Taito Ward, Arakawa Ward, Adachi Ward, etc.
Manufacture Tokyo Karaki Butsudan Kougyou Kyoudou Kumiai
Address 3-5-15 Ayase Adachi-ku, Tokyo 120-0005
7-14-3 Ginza Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Phone Number 03-3620-1201
03-3542-5771
13. “Tsumami-kanzashi” (ornamental hairpins)
History and Special Characteristics Kanzashi are traditional Japanese hairpins, and the word, "tsumami" means "to pinch." Edo’s tsumami-kanzashi has pieces of silk cut into shapes of birds and flowers to make the hairpins look decorative. Tsumami-kanzashi originated in Japan’s west region during the Edo period (1600-1867), and it soon arrived to the Edo area. Today, Tokyo is the major producing district. These women’s ornamental hairpins are used for the New Year’s, Coming-of-the-Age ceremony, “Shichi-Go-San,” (a festival for children of ages three, five, and seven), and at dancing parties.
Principal Sites of Manufacture Taito Ward, Arakawa Ward, Sumida Ward, etc.
Manufacture Tokyo hair ornament manufacturing cooperative society
Address Ishiguro Store 3-20-11 Kotobuki, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0042
Phone Number 03-3841-6747
14. “Wagaku” (Japanese picture frames)
History and Special Characteristics Picture frames that were developed in Japan are called “wagaku.” From the beginning of the Meiji period (1868-1912), Western-style picture frames started being used. Today, Japan’s traditional lacquer technique is applied, and picture frames are made to fit the customers’ needs.
Principal Sites of Manufacture Taito Ward, Toshima Ward, Arakawa Ward, etc.
Manufacture Tokyo Gakubuchi Kougyou Kyoudou Kumiai
Address Mr.Tajima 4-19-2 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0053
Phone Number 03-3851-9432
15. “Zōge” (ivory)
History and Special Characteristics Ivory is called “Zōge” in Japanese, and it is made from elephant’s fore-tooth. During the Nara period (710-794), ivory carving techniques were introduced from China, and the techniques were applied to “netsuke” during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600). A large number of people are deeply fond of ivory for its smooth texture, gorgeous luster, and half transparent milky white color. It also has adequate hardness for craftsmanship.
Principal Sites of Manufacture Taito Ward, Bunkyo Ward, Sumida Ward, etc.
Manufacture Tokyo Zoge Bijutsu Kougei Kyoudou Kumiai
http://www.tokyo-ivory.or.jp/
Address 3-26-3 Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0035
Phone Number 03-3841-2533
16. "Sashimono” (custom-ordered furniture and cabinetry)
History and Special Characteristics Sashimono are custom-made furniture and cabinetry that are made without the use of nails. As people’s lives became civilized during the Genroku period (1688-1703), the profession of joiners emerged. Samurai and merchants mostly used Sashimono.
Principal Sites of Manufacture Taito Ward, Arakawa Ward, Koto Ward, etc.
Manufacture Edo Sashimono Cooperative Association
Address Mr. Toda 5-9-17 Negishi, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0003
Phone Number 03-3874-1504

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